Khan was arrested in March 2016 by officers from the North East Counter Terrorism Unit after making posts on social media in support of Daesh (also known as ISIS, ISIL and IS).

He was charged under the Terrorism Act in November.

Khan had used a number of accounts to post terrorist material online, and when the accounts were closed down or suspended, he activated further accounts. He had posted links to terrorist publications praising the Paris terrorist attacks, including the Dabiq magazine and videos supporting Daesh.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clive Wain, Head of the North East CTU, said ““Due to the vast reach and influence of social media, the implications of posting such material should not be underestimated. Daesh and other terrorist groups are continuing to use the online space to encourage support for their objectives and to provoke individuals to carry out attacks abroad and in the UK. Tackling extremist material is an essential part of protecting the public and preventing offences that incite or encourage acts of terrorism.

“It is also vital that collectively we make every effort to stop people becoming radicalised online.

“We rely on the public for information and urge anyone who comes across extremist or terrorist material online to report it at www.gov.uk/ACT or by contacting the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

We will always bring those who have committed a criminal offence before the courts. However we would much prefer to stop people from crossing into a path of criminality in the first place.

“We can intervene at an early stage and steer people away from becoming involved in terrorist activities and provide tailored assistance through the Prevent Strategy and Channel Project.

“If you have concerns about a loved one then you can seek help through your local police on 101. The earlier you contact us, the more likely we, along with partners can intervene and prevent your loved one becoming criminalised.”